Volunteers of the Month

Melanie Boston, Jamie Diamandopoulos, and Jim Hunt

by Dorothy Murray, Senior Technical Writer, Sercel, Inc.

STC Houston is honoring, Melanie Boston, Jamie Diamandopoulos, and Jim Hunt as Volunteers of the Month for June. Combined, they have 15 years of service, editing copy and helping Dateline Houston grow into an award-winning newsletter. When asked about their contribution, Managing Editor Rebecca Taylor was effusive: "Always available for last-minute editing, Melanie, Jamie, and Jim have been pillars in the strength of our newsletter. We've won several consecutive awards in the STC Newsletter Competition, which grades heavily on style and editing. It's one thing to volunteer in spurts (which most of us do!), but Melanie, Jamie, and Jim have devoted years to Dateline Houston. This contribution is extremely important for continuity and knowledge building. This recognition is long overdue!"

Melanie, who has a B.S. degree in physics from Murray State University, has been a senior technical editor with BMC Software for the past five years. She retired from her previous job with Texas Instruments after 20 years of service. A dedicated editor, Melanie lists her extracurricular activities as reading fiction, watching movies, and "editing restaurant menus" before ordering a meal.

Jamie has a B.A. degree in art from Baylor University and an M.Ed. degree in education from the University of Massachusetts. She is director of corporate communications with Decision Information Resources. Previously, Jamie was managing editor of technical publications with BMC Software. In her past life, she was an exhibits specialist with the Smithsonian Institution.

Jamie's favorite pastime is playing with her grandson and visiting with family and friends. She also enjoys reading, listening to classical music, watching classic movies, watching track and field events, and cooking for special occasions.

Jim has a B.A. degree in communications from Washington State University. He began a career in communications with the U.S. Navy. He worked as a radio announcer, freelance journalist, and continuity writer for a PBS TV station. As senior technical editor with BMC Software, Jim describes his role as helping writers produce the best possible documentation. Outside the office, Jim has a passion for country and western dancing.

STC Houston expresses gratitude to the long-serving Dateline Houston copy editors.

Would you like to be a volunteer? See the "Help Wanted" list.